Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman joins Atletico Madrid in €40m deal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has sealed a high-profile transfer to Atletico Madrid from Atalanta, with both clubs reaching a full agreement on the deal.

The 28-year-old winger has signed a long-term contract with the Spanish giants that will keep him at the Metropolitano until June 30, 2030. Media reports estimate the transfer fee at around €40 million ($47.5 million).

Lookman arrives in Madrid with a strong European pedigree, having etched his name into Atalanta folklore by scoring a stunning hat-trick in their 2024 Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen. Despite limited returns this season—three goals in 19 appearances across all competitions—his pace, versatility and big-game experience have made him a key target for Atletico.

Born in London, Lookman began his professional career at Charlton Athletic before moving to Everton. He later joined RB Leipzig, with loan spells at Fulham and Leicester City, before finding consistent form after his move to Atalanta in 2022.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone had been pushing for attacking reinforcements following the departures of Giacomo Raspadori to Atalanta and Conor Gallagher to Tottenham earlier in the winter window.

Lookman’s arrival is expected to boost the Rojiblancos’ attacking options, especially with striker Julián Álvarez currently struggling for form, having gone 11 La Liga matches without a goal.

The move marks a major step in Lookman’s career—and another milestone for Nigerian football on the European stage.